Home is more than just shelter–home is a reflection of the self. Through the arrangement of furniture, choice of decor, and overall ambiance, we consciously and subconsciously shape our living spaces into expressions of who we are. And this relationship is reciprocal; our home has a significant effect on who we are as well. Beyond being a reflection of our unique identities, our home influences our physical and mental well-being–influencing our overall health, focus, productivity, and mood.
With the concept of wellness design gaining popularity, it is essential to understand the importance of creating and maintaining a harmonious, healthy home. In this article, we will explore home improvement tips for wellness that can reduce stress and promote well-being.
Declutter your Home and Mind
Clutter can really put a damper on your mood and productivity. Not only does it look bad, it makes us feel bad. Research has shown that the visual disarray of clutter produces cognitive overload, making it difficult to focus and process information as well as you would in a tidy environment. Clutter is associated with negative emotions such as irritability and confusion and known to increase cortisol–the hormone associated with stress.
Clutter can come and go–manifesting during periods of life when we’re feeling down, overwhelmed, or out of control. Embracing the art of decluttering will allow you to shed the burdens of the past and make room for new possibilities. Begin by assessing each item in your home with a discerning eye. Ask yourself:
- Does this item spark joy or serve a meaningful purpose?
- Is it contributing to a sense of calm or creating unnecessary distractions?
- Can it be repurposed or recycled if no longer needed?
By letting go of possessions that no longer serve you, you’ll create space for what truly matters and improve home wellness. While decluttering, it’s also great to consider donating your gently used items to local charities or organizations that resonate with your values. This act of generosity not only helps those in need but also contributes to a more sustainable and compassionate society. Additionally, science shows that people who engage in altruistic pursuits such as donating tend to be happier.
Once you’ve addressed the mess, being thoughtful about storage and ensuring items have a designated space will help keep clutter at bay. By incorporating storage directly into walls, furniture, and architectural features, these solutions help keep homes looking clean.
Breathe Easy: Enhance Air Quality
Air quality concerns aren’t limited to outdoor pollutants; in fact, studies show that indoor concentrations of air toxins are on the rise and known to cause a range of health issues. Our appliances; chemicals found in home products; hot and humid weather conditions; and subpar ventilation are just a few factors that influence indoor air quality.
A few lifestyle adjustments can help reduce the amount of irritants in your Pittsburgh home. Start simple: create the habit of regularly opening windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate. On your next shopping trip, opt for more health-conscious and eco-friendly cleaning products. Another easy step toward better home air quality is inspecting your household appliances. Remember to routinely check your vacuum, clothes dryer, and kitchen vents. All of these items contain filters that are meant to be replaced every few months.
If you are interested in making a more drastic improvement, you may want to consider investing in technical systems that will improve your home air quality. These home wellness upgrades will not only improve your health, but also your home’s resale value.
An air purifier or a filtration system built into your home’s ductwork, are two great options for reducing potentially harmful particulate matter from the home. There is also a plethora of smart technology systems available to assist with monitoring and improving indoor air quality by maintaining a healthy relative humidity level and temperature.
Wellness Design Embraces Nature
It’s no secret that nature has a positive impact on our mental and physical well-being; spending time outdoors is known to improve stress, lift the mood, and increase productivity. By combining elements of outdoors and indoors and adopting sustainable practices in your healhty home plan, you can create a sense of connection with nature and curate a living environment that instills peace.
Luxury features such as outdoor kitchens with high-quality materials and state-of-the-art appliances, cozy fireplaces, or fire pits are outstanding elements that will motivate you to spend more time outdoors. Incorporating principles of biophilic design and privacy features can transform your outdoor space into a serene retreat that promotes relaxation and good health.
By minimizing your home’s overall environmental impact and contributing to a healthier planet you’ll benefit from a living space that aligns with your values and promotes well-being. Using LED light bulbs; unplugging electronics when not in use; and using eco-friendly products and appliances, are actionable steps you can take to minimize your environmental footprint.
To make a greater impact, explore renewable energy sources like solar power. If you’re planning on a major renovation–or looking to upgrade elements of your home such as flooring or cabinets–repurposed or reclaimed materials can offset a tremendous amount of waste while saving money in the process.
A Healthy Home Promotes Physical Movement
Your living environment can either help or hinder age-related health and longevity. Many people share the common goal of wanting to stay in their own homes and maintain independence for as long as possible. If aging in place is a personal goal of yours, it’s wise to consider adding features to your Pittsburgh home that support mobility, safety, and accessibility well before retirement age. These design features not only provide immediate benefits but also serve as a smart investment for the future.
Universal Design principles can be integrated into your home whether you are young or old. This design method ensures homes are accessible and usable by people of all ages, abilities, and stages of life. No-step entries; wider doorways and hallways; accessible bathrooms; and conveniently placed controls and switches, can significantly enhance mobility and autonomy for people of all ages and abilities. These wellness design features not only provide immediate benefits but also serve as a wise investment for the future.
If you’re ready to take the next step in creating a healthy home, contact Master Remodelers. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you achieve a living space that reflects your unique identity while promoting health, comfort, and longevity. Reach out to Master Remodelers today and start your journey towards a Pittsburgh home that truly enhances your life.
